I did a BOM quilt in my newbie year. It was so I could learn some different blocks and what I liked about them and what I didn't like. They suggested how to put them together and with a certain color sashing, etc. I did mine in my own way with a black print sashing and it turned out lovely. I'm happy for the experience of doing all the different blocks and accomplishing something, but mostly I'm happy I chose a different sashing color and made it my own. Now I'm much happier doing my own thing.